Surfboards for Every Rider and Skill Level

Paragon Surfboards Review | Epic Boards or Rip Off?

July 9, 2022by Luke Morris

Many people go to the beach to unwind from their stressful week. Some fancy sunbathing, while most of them go for surfing. It’s a fun activity because it keeps you fit while letting you enjoy every ride. However, if you want to make surfing a career, you’ll need a top-performing surfboard in your journey. It’s best to look for a surfboard suitable for your skill level because it’s how you can better enhance your skills. As you search from various brands, many options will leave you undecided. Paragon Surfboards is one of the most preferred brands by pro surfers. It doesn’t’ fail in meeting the expectations of surfers when it comes to performance and quality. Plus, every surfboard’s affordability makes this brand favorable to newbies. The Top 9 Best Paragon Surfboards Reviewed Below are some of the best surfboards you can consider if you can’t decide what to buy. This Paragon Surfboards review will save you time from searching from numerous brands. Paragon 5’6 Mini Simmons Foamy Shortboard Surfboard Paragon 6’2 Groveler Shortboard Surfboard Paragon 6’0 Retro Fish Surfboard Paragon 9’0 Retro Noserider Longboard Surfboard Paragon 6’6 Retro Squash Egg Surfboard Paragon 9’0 Retro Noserider Multi Longboard Surfboard Paragon 6’11 Lil Dipper Turquoise Rail Shortboard Surfboard Paragon 6’6 Retro Seaweed Egg Surfboard Paragon 5’10 Groveler Shortboard Surfboard #1. Paragon 5’6 Mini Simmons Foamy Shortboard Surfboard Paragon Surfboards always meets the satisfaction of its customers, especially when it comes to performance. If you’re looking for a top-performing surfboard, you can never go wrong with the 5’6 Mini Simmons Foamy Shortboard. This surfboard is exceptional for its agility, thanks to its flat front-third part of the deck. If you’re enhancing your surfing skills, this board is ideal. Plus, it performs well despite any surfing condition, especially on small waves. It’s one of the best shortboards because executing tricks is hassle-free. The contour of this surfboard features a single to double concave-outline with vee out the tail part. This advantage lets you maneuver it, especially when it comes to tight turns. Also, it excels in boosting your wave count. Sturdiness is also one of the reasons why surfers appreciate it. It comes with a hand-shaped epoxy staple and a wood stringer with high-solidity. The hand-shaped bottom contours and rails contribute to mobility. Plus, the epoxy resin and Hexcel cloth-finish keep it very sturdy. This surfboard provides comfort as well for all surfers because of its vacuum-sealed top deck or rails. This part of the surfboard has texturized EVA foam, which is under its FoamTech advantage. Regardless if they stand or paddle, these features make it comfier to ride even when you spend long hours surfing, If you’re thinking about installing fins for a more agile surfboard, it comes with a twin-fin box set-up. The most recommended type is the Future fin for this surfboard. #2. Paragon 6’2 Groveler Shortboard Surfboard If you’re looking for a reliable shortboard for everyday use, regardless of whether you’re on training or competing, you should check out Paragon’s collection. It has a wide variety of options, and one is the 6’2 Groveler Shortboard Surfboard. It’s a unique surfboard by this brand because it’s in between a shortboard and longboard. This surfboard performs best on waist-high to chest-high waves, especially when you’re pulling up stunts. However, it can be challenging to use if you’re a beginner in the sport. It’s highly advisable for intermediate to professional surfers. Even though it’s roughly a foot longer than Mini Simmons, surfers love using it because they can control this surfboard effectively. It features a thinner, squashtail-design, and it contributes to this surfboard’s overall maneuverability, especially when you take tight turns. Plus, it’s lighter despite having a longer length. If you want to make this surfboard more agile, consider installing Future fins on its thruster fin set-up. It will propel along bigger waves. Aside from that, it comes from high-quality materials to assure its sturdiness. It features a stringerless epoxy blank with additional carbon fiber material on its construction. Also, it comes with additional cross-knit Innegra-strands, which is a top-performing fiber. Another exceptional feature of this surfboard is its excellent floatation. It comes with additional foam on the chest-part of the board. It also lets surfers paddle with comfort, thanks to its full rails and broad nose. It’s not only durable but also convenient to use. #3. Paragon 6’0 Retro Fish Surfboard Fish surfboards are one of the in-demand surfboard-types because of its default agility. If you’re looking for a trustworthy brand, you can check out what Paragon has to offer. One of the bestsellers from its collection is the 6’0 Retro Fish Surfboard. Surfers love how classy it looks in its white and black color. It comes with a swallow-tail design, and you’ll like it because it lets you turn effortlessly. If you want to expand your quiver, you should consider this surfboard. Aside from that, it comes with a short and flat deck, making it easier to control. It features a single to bottom concave-structure, which provides exceptional stability as you maneuver it along big or small waves. Plus, it can be more agile once you install Futures fins on its twin-fin set-up. You can never go wrong with this surfboard’s durability. It uses high-quality materials, which keep it long-lasting even when you use it frequently. Thanks to the epoxy and carbon fiber materials, it’s sturdy enough even when the surfer is weighty. It’s one of the best surfboards when it comes to doing tricks. However, it’s more suitable for surfers with intermediate or advanced skills. Newbies may have a hard time controlling it because it requires exceptional balancing skills. #4. Paragon 9’0 Retro Noserider Longboard Surfboard If you’re searching for the best longboard, Paragon is also famous for it. One of the most recommended surfboards that you should consider is the 9’0 Retro Noserider Longboard. This surfboard’s versatility amazes surfers because you can use it on lazy summer days, pointbreaks, or small conditions. Maneuvering this surfboard is hassle-free despite … Read more

StormBlade Surfboards Review | Epic Boards or Rip Off?

May 28, 2022by Luke Morris

Every surfer would want to have the best companion in the ocean. And who better than a StormBlade surfboard that can give that company to them. So, selecting the right one is important if you really want to enjoy your time out in the sea. StormBlade Surfboards are few of those boards that are high performing surfboards. They provide you a combination of control, comfort, and convenience coupled with cost-effectiveness. They offer you a variety of surfboards from shortboards to longboards ranging from 5ft 6 and from 10ft. Their SSR line is a trendsetter in the premium category of the surfboards across the country. If you are also planning to buy a StormBlade Surfboard, have a look at their top 6 best surfboards and shortlist as per your requirement. Top 6 Best StormBlade Surfboards Review #1. StormBlade 7′ Soft Top Surfboard The StormBlade 7ft Surfboard is a unique variant. It is not too big and not too small as well. If you are not pretty sure about the surfboard that you would be comfortable with, the 7ft surfboard would be the right choice. It can maneuver well in all types of waves. The pointed nose is a really cool feature. It makes these boards look surfing simple even to a beginner. For an expert, it of course is a treat to be on these boards. The surfboards are very simple to install and offer a very secure assembly. Thanks to the through-board bolting that, in addition, contributes to the durability of the board. #2. StormBlade 5’6 Swallow Tail Surfboard A perfectly maneuverable little creature, the StormBlade 5ft6 Swallow Tail Surfboard is perfect for the smaller riders. Besides, it also makes a great selection for the experienced surfers. The unique swallowtail gives you a smaller turning radius but greater maneuverability at the same time. The smaller size coupled with the superb tail design and fin alignment makes the surfboard highly stable while providing great control while surfing in the mid-ocean. You do not need to worry about the impact of hard-hitting waves or even about your own thrust on the board. These boards are strong and sturdy owing to the EPS core and other unique design features. #3. StormBlade 8′ Foam Surfboard If you are a beginner, the StormBlade 8ft surfboard is the ideal surfboard for you. You can learn surfing on these easy to balance surfboards- thanks to the extra paddle power derived from the additional length. Moreover, the 8ft variant is strong with 3x Marine Ply Stringers besides, a layer of ethylene imparts a lot of strength to the surfboard. Moreover, the stringers keep the board stiff even after the most rugged use. The leash attachment arrangement is pretty impressive and gives you a lot of confidence that you cannot lose control even if you have lost the board. #4. StormBlade 5’8 Modern Retro Fish Surfboard Old is gold. And this holds so true in the case of the 5ft8 Modern Retro Fish Surfboard. A beautiful blend of the old and the new, the surfboard is high in performance especially for loose turns on long walls due to its tried and tested fish outline. The four fin design provides much more stability compared to the two finfish, however, it needs more skills while steering on the turnings. The good news is that you have the flexibility of surfing with two fins to revive your retro feelings. The 5ft8 is designed for high-performance surfing and offers you a super smooth experience on the wave face. #5. StormBlade 10′ Soft Top Surfboard This is yet another dream surfboard for the beginners. The huge surfboard is capable of catching any wave and in any season. You can use this board as a thruster- thanks to the amazing fin options. Moreover, the single fin set up is not at all tricky as the back fin is large enough to provide great directional stability. If you enjoy nose-riding or love the bottom turning, take this surfboard to the ocean and taste the flavor of a classic longboard. However, do not expect a sharp turn around a small pivot point and also be a little more careful while riding in steep waves. #6. 6’ StormBlade Squash Tail Thruster Surfboard The 6’ StormBlade Squash Tail Thruster Surfboard is a perfect board for entering pointedly in the cutbacks or riding with fluid ease on the peeling waves. Whether it is the surf break where the shoreline is creating the headland or it is the shore break, this surfboard offers fun in varied surfing conditions. The surfboard has tremendous control and floating capability that allows you to steer through the shallow water with super ease. The squash tail imparts a unique style of cutting the water that at first can take you by surprise and even play with your temper a bit, however, you quickly realize its efficiency of releasing water from the rails. Buyer’s Guide Section After short listing 2-3 surfboards from the above list of top StormBlade surfboards, now is the time to finalize the one most suitable surfboard for your purpose. We would now share with you the important factors to be considered before buying a surfboard. You too can decide the best StormBlade for yourself based on these factors. Types of StormBlade Surfboards The type of surfer would depend on your level of experience. The experienced surfers would normally go for the shortboards or the hybrid type of surfboards as these boards call for higher skill levels and offer more challenge to the surfer which an experienced campaigner would love to take up. A beginner would want a board that is easier to control. For this reason, they usually opt for longboards. Construction Materials A good surfboard should have the dual quality of being sturdy as well as light. It should be rigid so that it can handle your weight & also the thrust of water waves at the same time. It should be highly stable so that it does not lose its balance … Read more

Top 5 Best GoPro Surfboard Mounts | Tips & How-to’s

December 31, 2021by Luke Morris

Your success in surfing relies on your form and skills, and one way to improve on these things is by watching yourself from another perspective. But what if you ride alone and there’s no one else with you except your GoPro? GoPros can be handheld, but this method is inconvenient especially if you’re riding big waves. You can also try putting it in your mouth; however, that makes paddling and breathing quite difficult. The easiest and most convenient way to surf with a GoPro is by mounting it on your surfboard. This enables you to capture videos of waves as it unfolds so that your viewers can see how riding a wave is like from a different angle. Meanwhile, the selfie action captures your form while you ride the waves. Want to get your hands on one of these things? Keep reading to learn pro tips on how you can make the best quality videos with a mounted camera, including our top 5 best GoPro surfboard mounts you might want to check out. What are GoPro surfboard mounts for? Surfers can be an egoistic bunch. We like to watch and relive our best performances. We also like to boast about the biggest waves we’ve ever ridden to other surfers — and what better evidence is there other than a video you’ve captured yourself? Because of our personal need to memorialize these kinds of stuff, GoPro became a popular piece of equipment in the surfing industry. This device can often be seen attached to a surfboard or to the different parts of the body where it can capture the best angles. But the thing is, it’s difficult to focus on two things simultaneously. You may find it hard to hold on to your GoPro if you’re still having trouble balancing yourself in the water. For this reason, beginners choose to go hands-free. They use mounts instead to attach their cameras to the nose of their surfboards. A GoPro surfboard mount is easy to use. Its usual kit includes an FCS-compatible male plug that can be paired with FCS center fin sockets. Using this will definitely spark your inner creativity. By simply changing the camera’s angle, you’ll be able to take photos and videos of the beach, switch the view to the other surfers at your back or film the action that’s happening right in front of your eyes. Oh, and might we add that this also makes great video footage of outrageous barrels! However, you should take note that GoPros mounted on a surfboard doesn’t always take the most awesome videos. Sky-high waves tend to look flat when their shots are taken from a surfboard’s point of view; making your shots a bit pointless since no one will believe you’ve surfed those waves you’re bragging about. Also, GoPro surfboard mounts are great for longboards, but not so much for shortboards. Since shortboards are, well, short, the camera will be placed too near to the rider, therefore the whole frame will only cover the rider’s face. Surfboard mounts are also not suitable for soft-top boards as the adhesive will not stick properly on foam. The worst-case scenario that could happen is you lose your GoPro in the water during a wipeout. Surfboard mount vs. Mouth mount If a surfboard mount lets your viewers see how your board sees the waves, then a mouth mount shows them your point of view. Mouth mount is the best way to capture the waves from a first-person perspective, and it also creates more stable footage compared to its alternative. This is the reason why you’ll spot a lot of pro surfers like Kelly Slater, Mason Ho, and Nat Young biting onto these things when they’re surfing. Quality-wise, mouth mounts create way better videos than surfboard mounts; however, they also come with a couple of disadvantages. For one, biting down on a mouth mount all throughout your surfing session will sore out your jaw, which could last until the next day. You may also find it tricky to exhale in and out with it while you’re paddling through breaks. If you encounter a nasty wipeout, pray that you don’t lose a tooth while you’re biting down the mouth mount. Although it makes a cool story and it builds some character, nobody really likes losing some of their pearly whites. Top 5 Best GoPro Surfboard Mounts If you choose to use a surfboard mount instead of a mouth mount, here are the best ones you can find online today. GoPro Surfboard Mounts (Official GoPro Mount) – Our Top Pick HSU Surf Mounts and Accessories for Surfing – Best Budget Neewer 50-In-1 Action Camera Accessory Kit – Best High-End Hooshion Surfboard Mount Kit WOLEYI Surf Camera Mount #1: GoPro Surfboard Mounts (Official GoPro Mount) – Our Top Pick Specifications: Price: $18.95 Material: Plastic Compatible with: GoPro Hero 3 to 10, Max With GoPro prices ranging from USD 250 to a little over USD 400, there’s no way you would want to lose your camera in the sea. That’s why if you want to keep your GoPro safe and sound on the top of your surfboard, you might as well put your trust in the makers of GoPros itself. This surfboard mount is the official accessory of the GoPro store. Not just for surfboards, this mount can also be used with skimboards, SUPs, kayaks, and boat decks. Its kit includes 2 surfboard mounts, an FCS male plug mount, a locking plug, as well as 2 adhesive mounts and anchors for security. Now, you might be wondering if adhesives can really hold your GoPro in water, and the answer is yes (given that you have installed it properly). There are several reviews you can find online about users who didn’t achieve their desired results, with the most common being that the adhesives don’t stick well on the surfboard. The thing with this surfboard mount is, just like the other mounts, it doesn’t stick well in foam or soft-top boards. In regular boards, … Read more

Fin Placement on Surfboards: Everything to Know

November 6, 2021by Luke Morris

Just as the size and shape of your surfboard determine its agility, buoyancy, and stability, so does your fin set up affect the way your surfboard performs. When choosing your fin placement, everything has an impact. The number of fins you use, how close to the nose or tail you place them, the angle that the fins face, the size of the fins, and how close they are together will all play a significant role in the way your surfboard handles. Below is a breakdown of how all these factors affect your ride, and which work best in different situations. Fin Location Fin location affects speed, turning, and stability. This is because the way your board handles comes down to the angles that the water can travel beneath your surfboard. A well-balanced fin placement will provide the most diversity with surf conditions but will underperform when compared to a customized setup. For example, a fin set up created for speed will outpace a balanced board, but will not perform as well when conditions become choppy or the waves become larger. Fin Position Relative to the Board Towards the nose: Fins closer to the nose will feel looser as your back foot does not dig them as deep into the water. Towards the tail: Fins closer to the tail of your board create more stability and hold, but are less agile. You should expect a larger turning radius when your fins are near the tail of your board. Loser to the rails: Fins placed closer to the rails provide less friction and sharper turning angles and reduced stability. Closer to the stringer: Fins in the center of a surfboard create extra drag but hold the board more stable in larger or faster surf. Fin Position Relative to Each Other Closer Together: The closer together your fins are clumped, the faster your board will react to your movements, but the board will feel looser. Fins placed closer together are best for trick surfing in medium-sized swell. Further apart: Fins placed further apart from each other will feel more stable in the water but have a larger turning angle. This fin setup is best for larger, fast, barreling waves. Fin Position Summary Fin position for speed: Fins spread further apart and near the back of the board will provide the least drag with the most stability. Fin position for quick turns: Fins clumped closely together, closer to the nose of your surfboard will slide more and make the board more agile, therefore providing a smaller turning ark. Angle of Fins Just as the position of your fins affects the way your board handles and performs, so does the angle that your fins face, relative to both the center of your board and the board’s belly. The amount of water that flows beneath your board and the angle at which it moves between the fins make a significant impact on how your board feels. The Fin Toe The fin toe, also known as the splay, refers to the angle that your outer fins face in relation to the center fin. Outer fins are usually “toed in”, meaning the front of each side fin is facing slightly towards the centerline of your board. Fins with greater inward angles (toe-in) will respond faster to movements and feel loose while producing more drag. Fins that are set straight (zero toe) will be faster as they allow more water to travel past them at faster speeds, will feel more stable, but will not be as responsive. In short, zero toe fins are faster, steady, and have a wider turning angle, while toed in fins are more responsive, loose, but slower. The Cant A fins cant is its angle in relation to the bottom of your surfboard. The greater the cant, the more the bottom of the fin is angled towards the outside rail. Fins with a zero cant are straight up and down (the base of the fin is at 90 degrees with the base of your surfboard). Fins set with a zero cant will feel faster as they do not create as much drag at the expense of responsiveness. The greater the cant, the more drive you will feel, especially when surfing on the board’s rail. Number of Fins Four major fin setups are commonly used on surfboards. Although most boards will have either a thruster setup or a single fin, there are many surfers worldwide that prefer a more alternative approach. Single Fin Single fins are the fin setup for surfboards and are most commonly seen on longboards . In this setup, only a single large fin is used near the tail of the board and along the stringer. Although single fins are outdated and not used widely in competitions, they are still held dear by many as they provide a different surfing experience. Single fins are often long and wide which provides control over a larger surfboard, but sacrifices maneuverability. If you have not surfed a single fin board before then you may feel unstable and find it difficult to make quick turns, but will experience more speed due to the reduced friction from fewer fins. Twin Fin Becoming popular in the 1970s when Mark Richards used fish boards to win the World Championships four times in a row, twin fins provide extra speed and maneuverability. Twin fins are fixed near the rails of the board and usually in line with the back foot. Twin fins are more stable than single fins but can feel loose in the water as the missing center fin makes deep, sharp angles such as bottom turns tough. Twin fins are ideal for small and medium surf but will likely slide too much in larger swell. Twin setups are primarily used on fish boards but it is not uncommon for a surfer to remove the center fin from their shortboard in search of a different experience for the day. Thruster/ Tri Fin A thruster setup is the most common … Read more

What to Do with Broken Surfboards

October 18, 2021by Luke Morris

Breaking a surfboard is part of the surfing circle of life; however, that doesn’t mean you can just mindlessly discard your fallen companion in the garbage. According to a study, the production process of a single 5.5 shortboard has a carbon dioxide emission that averages 600 lbs., which is the same amount as burning 270 lbs. of coal! Not only that but surfboards are also made from toxic materials such as polyurethane foam and fiberglass. Throwing them away, only to turn up in landfills, will create numerous negative effects on the environment, as well as your health. There’s a saying that goes: If it’s broken, fix it. But if you can’t, then change it into something better instead. In this article, you’ll learn safe and innovative ways how you can breathe new life into your broken surfboard. What to Do with Broken Surfboards Repair them. Donate them to non-profits. Sell or trade them to Craigslist. Recycle or convert them to other usable items. Reshape them to make a new board. Transform them into home décor or furniture. Build a collection display. 1. Repair them After a long time of riding your surfboard, it can be heartbreaking when the time comes that it gets damaged; however, you must know that being split in two isn’t the end of the world for your surfboard. With today’s modern technology, you can still repair it by taking them to a shaper, or by fixing it yourself with repair kits. Although they come at a high cost and take lots of effort, it’ll be rewarding when you see your surfing companion nice and working again. To start with the repairing process, the first thing you need to do is scrape the wax from your surfboard’s deck using a wax comb. To speed up this part, you can also use a heat gun or blow-dry to melt the wax, then wipe it off with a clean cloth. After that, let it dry overnight to remove any remaining moisture. Next, you need to clean the damaged part of the board by peeling or cutting off the excess fiberglass skin. Then, you need to grind the part where the split is with a disk sander to make room for the new epoxy. Sand the whole deck after that. and make sure to wear a protective suit (respirator mask) while doing this, because the dust from fiberglass is toxic and may cause allergies. When the surfboard’s already sanded and ground down, mix the putty with the epoxy, and then spread the mixture generously to the two split surfaces. You will want to clamp down the surfboard to avoid it from moving; therefore you need rope, scrap wood, and plastic sheets to keep the two parts together. Wait for it to dry, then flatten the repaired area and deck with a planer. After smoothing the whole deck, wrap the glass around the rails and hold it down using tape. Apply the epoxy and wait for it to cure before glassing the bottom of the board. For the last steps, smoothen the deck using a grinder with abrasive disks. You can also apply a finishing coat or a thin layer of resin to your board. Wait for it to dry for at least two days, and that’s it! 2. Donate them to non-profits Another way to give your broken surfboard a meaningful purpose is to donate it to non-profit organizations like Rerip. For 15 years, this group has accepted and collected over a thousand surfboards, refurbished them into new ones, and donated them to other organizations, schools, and young surfers. They’ve also sold some of the repaired ones in order to help sustain their mission. Rerip takes in all kinds of surfboards — whether it’s new, old, or damaged. Unrideable and broken ones are given to local artists so they can turn them into art pieces, while others are used for home purposes like patios, showers, signages, and displays. There are other organizations that share the same vision as Rerip, such as Returning Wave and The Surf Bus Foundation. So while it may be hard for you to let go of your well-loved surfboard, donating it also gives others a chance to enjoy them, even if it’s already in another form. 3. Sell or trade them to Craigslist High-quality surfboards are made from construction materials that are hard to recycle like fiberglass and EPS foam core. For this reason, they can get quite expensive, with prices ranging from $500 to $1,500 for intermediate to pro-level surfboards. If you have a surfboard with the price tag mentioned above, but it’s now unrideable and has little dings, you can sell it on Craiglist for a lower rate (look for the sporting goods section). Other surf enthusiasts are willing to buy boards of good caliber, even if they’re used or have a slight damage. Now, if posting your beloved board doesn’t sound very appealing, try trading it with your other surfer friends instead. You can have your board exchanged for a lower-quality board or other surfing accessories that they are willing to barter with you. 4. Recycle or convert them to other useable items If you’re looking for a more sustainable option on what you can do with your damaged surfboard, why not recycle it? This works best if your board is made from natural materials like balsa wood, bamboo, or agave. With good craftsmanship, you can convert it into other household items like chairs, tables, and shelves. But what if the board’s made from foam and fiberglass? In this case, you need a more artistic touch and some help from powerful and handy tools. To convert this kind of surfboard, you need to grind it into dust first, mix it with cement next, then mold it into your desired form. We recommend Buddha statues for home display or gnomes for your garden area. 5. Reshape them to make a new board Letting go of your surfboard isn’t easy, so if you find … Read more

How Do Surfboard Rentals Work? | What To Know

October 18, 2021by Luke Morris

With a growing population of 12% per year, the surfing community is expanding faster than ever. With a combination of this and a slowly dying economy, fewer people are willing to front the average of USD 640 to get into a new sport. This, along with the ever more popular surf tourism industry, has made surfboard rentals more popular than ever. Renting a surfboard is, in theory, as simple as things get. You walk into a surf store, choose the board that is best suited for you and the current conditions, pay the rental and deposit, and you are off to catch some waves for the day. If you are planning to go on a surf trip but want to avoid lugging your surfboard travel bag with all your gear along with you, then renting a surfboard may be the answer you are looking for. Pros and Cons of Renting a Surfboard Before diving into how to rent a surfboard and what to expect, it is worth understanding the pros and cons of doing so. This will allow you to make the best decision on whether renting a surfboard is right for you. Pros Cheaper than buying a board. Large choice of different surfboards. All surfboard gear is included. Easy advice if you are new to surfing. No need to carry your surfboards around the globe. No need to clean and store your own surfboard. Cons Breakage fines are often high. Renting a board multiple times can be more expensive than buying. Rental boards are often low quality. You may not be able to find a board that suits you. You will be limited to surfing in spots that have surf and rental shops. Things to Keep In Mind When Renting a Surfboard Before running into the first surfboard rental shop you see and grabbing any old hunk of junk, you should keep in mind the following. Although renting a surfboard is easy, it is also easy to get screwed over by high prices, low-quality surfboards, and unfair deals. Choose the Shops Location Wisely The location of your surf shop will make a big difference to your day’s activities. Choosing a surf store on the beach, right in front of the break you want to surf is always better than needing to drive to a rental store, hire a board, and then drive back to the break. That being said, surfboard rentals close to the beach are often more expensive than those further away as there is often more competition. Look at the Surf First Before you even consider stepping foot into a rental shop you should spend some time watching the waves. This is true whether you are planning to rent a board or if you have brought your own. Without watching the waves, it is impossible to know what surfboard you will need, where you will paddle out, and if the conditions suit you and your abilities. Slow down, take a breath, watch a couple of sets roll in, and then make your decision on what type of surfboard you would like to ride for the day. Compare Prices and Rental Times Once you have a good idea of how the waves are breaking you should take some time to consider which rental shop you will use. There will likely be fierce competition between rental stores at popular surf beaches, which means you will be able to find an array of different deals. It is worth popping into a few and asking about their prices and rental times. Surfboards are usually rented for 1-hour, half-day, and full-day periods, although weekly rentals are sometimes possible. Surfboard rental prices average around the following, although prices always differ depending on the country and even location within a country: 1 – 2 hour rental: $10 – $20 Half day rental: $20 – $30 Full day rental: $30 – $50 Decide how long you will need the surfboard, and choose a price range that suits your budget. It may also be worth finding a deal that allows you to swap out your board at any time. This is especially helpful when you rent a surfboard for a long time as the wave conditions are likely to change. Look For a Full Setup If you walk into a rental store to find that fins, leashes, or wax are rented separately, then kindly give the owner your middle finger and walk out. Surfboards for rent should always be ready for pick up and include all the necessary accessories. Some shop owners will try to take advantage of those who are new to an area or when they look like a tourist. Never accept a rented board that is not ready to walk straight into the water. Deposits and Restrictions As with most things in the world, it is unlikely you will be able to rent a surfboard if you are not 18. This might be an annoyance, but it is simply the way things are. If you are under 18 then ask your parents, guardians, or older friends to rent the board for you. Furthermore, you should be prepared to pay a deposit. These deposits can be as little as simply paying for your rental upfront to leave a larger sum of money to cover any damages that may occur to the board. Although this is common, do not allow a shop to charge an extremely high deposit or to keep any of your essential travel documents such as your passport. Choose Your Surfboard Wisely Once you have assessed the waves and have chosen a rental store with good deals, it is time to choose a surfboard. When you choose a board you should pay attention to how big the board is, what size board you are comfortable using, and the quality of the board. Choosing the incorrect surfboard for the waves will not provide the most amount of fun. Similarly, choosing a damaged or low-quality board could leave you with problems in the … Read more

Top 6 Best Swallow Tail Surfboards | Reviews (Rock-It)

September 10, 2021by Luke Morris

You may have noticed that surfboards don’t only come in various lengths and styles, but they also have assorted tail shapes. For instance, we have the square tail, which is considered as the father of all surfboard styles. Some of the common tails include the squash tail, pin tail, rounded pin tail, swallow tail, and fish tail. Of course, we also have the rarer tails like the diamond tail, bat tail, and moon tail. In this post, we’ll zoom in on the swallow tail shape. Then, we’ll talk about some of the best swallow tail surfboards that you can find online. What are Swallow Tail Surfboards (and who are they good for)? The swallow tail surfboard looks exactly what it sounds like. Design-wise, it resembles a swallow bird’s tail, with an inverted V leading to its two corners. How Important is a Surfboard’s Tail Shape? In the same way that board types are suited for different surfers and wave situations, each tail shape is made for a particular purpose. See, a surfboard’s tail directly affects key factors in surfing. This includes stability, buoyancy, maneuverability, speed, control, drive, hold, and acceleration. As a general rule, rounder tail shapes translate to more stability, while angular tails like the swallow tail give a more “skatey” feel. Who Should Ride a Swallow Tail Surfboard? The swallow tail is primarily designed to help surfers make sharp turns and generate enough speed in small, mushy, and lackluster waves. The V shape also gives surfers an easier time maneuvering the board and riding it through choppy waves. For context, “small waves” are anything from ankle-high to waist-high, or “1 ft.” to “3 ft.” in surfer lingo. Since boards with swallow tail are packed with more foam than usual, this means that it is more buoyant. This makes it easy to catch waves and to paddle, which is especially helpful for advanced beginners who are just transitioning to smaller boards. Overall, when looking at the best swallow tail surfboards, rather than simply asking “who” should ride it, it’s more important to consider: what is the current skill level of the rider? We discuss this in more detail in our “Frequently asked questions” section. Additionally, you’ll need to ask “where” the board will be taken, and “what” type of waves are present in the area that you’re heading to. Are Swallow Tail & Fish Tail the Same Thing? The swallow tail is commonly confused with a fish tail since it does look pretty similar at first glance. Purpose-wise, it is somehow alike, but it still has subtle differences. For instance, the V of a fish tail is curvier — quite literally like a fish’s tail. The angle of the V is also narrower, and it cuts deeper into the board. The swallow tail, on the other hand, is usually shaped like a very wide V, with the cut appearing closer to the board’s edge. In many cases, people use “swallow tail” and “fish tail” to refer to the same thing because they are often the tails of fish surfboards. A fish is a surfboard that generally has the same length as a shortboard, but has a wider width from rail to rail. The added width and thickness make it more stable than your typical shortboard. Top 6 Swallow Tail Surfboards Now that we know a little more about the swallow tail, check out our short list of the best swallow tail surfboards for beginners and advanced surfers alike: Wave Bandit 6’6” Ben Gravy Performer – Our Top Pick! Rock-It ALBERT – Best Budget South Bay Board Co. 6’6” Fish Beef Pro – Versatile Wave Catcher StormBlade 6’ Swallow Tail Surfboard – Great for All-Day Surfing Odysea 5’6” Skipper Quad – Great for Shredding South Bay Board Co. 8’4” Magic Carpet – Amazing Summer Funboard #1: Wave Bandit 6’6” Ben Gravy Performer – Our Top Pick! Specifications Board Dimensions: 6’6” x 22” x 3.125” Volume: 55L Material: EPS core with soft top Accessories Included: 4.5” removable tri fin set Skill Level: Intermediate – Experienced Other Sizes: 5’6”, 6’0” Other Features: Double maple wood stringers, fish shape, endorsed by Ben Gravy Wave Bandit is a name that’s known for their fun, versatile, and bright neon surfboards. It’s a surfboard line within the bigger Catch Surf brand that caters mostly to beginners. But who’s to say that experienced surfers can’t have fun with it? Not Ben Gravy, who has a Wave Bandit collection dedicated to him! If you’re into the funky colorways of the Wave Bandit surfboards, you’d probably also like Ben Gravy’s signature boards. The deck may be a “boring” white, but the bottom is patterned with his pineapple head logo on a lime green background. Of course, when it comes to performance, the Wave Bandit 6’6” Ben Gravy Performer pretty much lives up to its name. With a soft top, fish shape, plus a more traditional rocker that’s comparable to a shortboard, the Performer serves as a great transition board for surfers who want to level up from a longboard or a mini mal. Even though the 6’6” Performer is mostly recommended for beginners due to its size, experienced surfers still enjoy it because it can turn like a classic shortboard, with nearly the same responsiveness. Its 55L volume also makes it easier to catch hard-to-get waves. Construction-wise, the Performer is made of dual-composite core, marine-grade twin wood stringers, and ultra-durable high-density plastic for the bottom. These ensure the board’s strength and stiffness, making it capable of handling bigger waves. If you’re looking for a fun swallow tail surfboard that wouldn’t break the bank, look no further than the Wave Bandit 6’6” Ben Gravy Performer. It looks cool, it’s good for surfers of all levels, and it’s endorsed by Ben Gravy himself! #2: Rock-It ALBERT – Best Budget Specifications Board Dimensions: 6’0″ x 22.4” x 3.2” Volume: 49L Material: Recycled EPS foam with fiberglass cloth Accessories Included: Removable performance fins Skill Level: Beginner – Experienced Other Features: Two nano-coated … Read more

Top 5 Best 6ft Surfboards

September 5, 2021by Luke Morris

best 6ft surfboards, what surfboard size should I get?

As you progress into your surfing expertise, you will transition from longboards to beginner soft tops, and eventually, a 6ft surfboard. This size is more inclined to perform tricks and stunts. However, finding the right 6ft surfboard may be difficult. The 6ft surfboards are solid performers in the ocean. It doesn’t matter what range of conditions are there. These sticks still offer reliable performance characteristics that beginner to intermediate riders can enjoy. We reviewed five of the best 6ft surfboards to help narrow down your search for your transition surfboard. These reviews, including other helpful topics, should ready you with shopping for your 6ft surfboard. Who Should Ride a 6ft Surfboard? Tips for picking the right surfboard Who Should Ride a 6ft Surfboard? Any rider who feels like they’ve progressed one level higher in their surfing skills is ready to take on a 6ft surfboard. These are the riders who are prepared for a change and are looking for a surfboard to transition to after riding a longboard or funboard. 6ft surfboards are what you may consider true shortboards. They’re with less foam, so there is less volume. This volume makes it not easy for anyone to ride it. It isn’t as buoyant as a longboard and is, at most times, difficult to paddle. With such caveats, 6ft surfboards remain an excellent option for many surfers, particularly for anyone whose skills are between intermediate and advanced levels. 6ft surfboards are the perfect size to maneuver on the wave face and sit in the wave’s pocket, combined with the stability of longer boards. 6ft surfboards are also perfect for smaller surfers. These sticks offer enough floatation for surfers within the 50 lbs to 180 lbs weight range. 6ft boards may be uncomfortable for anyone taller than 6ft to balance. Top 5 Best 6ft Surfboards Reviewed When you are ready to ride a range of conditions with a versatile surfboard, you are prepared to ride a 6ft surfboard. Picking the best 6ft surfboard can be a challenge. To help you not make a mistake, we picked five of the best 6ft surfboards that can hopefully narrow down your search. Giantex 6′ Surfboard – Best Overall South Bay Board Co. 6′ Surfboard – Best Hybrid Surfboard Liquid Shredder EZ-Slider 6′ – Best for Grom California Board Company 6’2” Fish Surfboard – Best Value BIC Sport PAINT Surfboard – Best High-End 1. Giantex 6′ Surfboard – Best Overall Dimensions: 6’ x 20” x 3” Weight: 3.5 lbs Max Capacity: 200 lbs Material: EPE (Expanded Polyethylene) Deck, EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Core, PP (PolyPro) Bottom One of the most popular choices among surfers who want to experience Stoke for the first time is the Giantex 6’ Surfboard, This 6ft surfboard is perfect for groms and beginners looking to catch their first waves on the beach. This stick packs in enough volume to make it significantly more buoyant than the other surfboards of the same size. The volume it offers is perfect for beginners since it will be better at floating. Even if the rider weighs around 190 lbs, this stick won’t sink and buoy up nicely. Soft tops like the Giantex 6’ Surfboard may feel slow and sludgy. This is because these boards are generally used to learn. And, while learning, you won’t need the speed-inducing features of more advanced boards. This 6ft surfboard is as durable as any soft-top board can get. It is constructed out of high-quality HDPE and a slip PP bottom. This construction guarantees it will last you a long time as long as you remember to surf with care guidelines in mind. 2. South Bay Board Co. 6′ Surfboard – Best Hybrid Surfboard Dimensions: 6’ x 22” x 2.75” Weight: 10 lbs Max Capacity: up to 200 lbs Material: EPS closed-cell foam core, 1 I-Beam Wooden Full-Length Stringer + Wooden body armor shell, with rugged Epoxy Bottom Deck Most would say that the South Bay Board Co. 6’ Surfboard is a cheater board. This might be because it floats so well and paddles as if Poseidon himself is inducing your every move. Paddle power is excellent for this all-around surfboard. It establishes force and execution to make it a savage and fierce surfboard you can ride. South Bay Board Co.’s formula for progress is well integrated into this surfboard. That and the customary fishtail allows you to pull off more excellent turns as you fly down the line, even without having enough shortboard riding experience. This 6ft surfboard displays a solitary curve down its base, ideal for just about any ride, including modest and slowest days. It is one user-friendly surfboard with many options to help any beginner ride waves. You will love how this surfboard has an easy-to-use handle for easy handling and transport. It is so convenient that you can be ready to paddle out in minutes once you are along the waterlines. In addition, this 6ft surfboard comes with fins that are easy to install and safe to use. 3. Liquid Shredder EZ-Slider 6′ – Best for Grom Dimensions: 6’ x 20” x 2.50” Weight: 12 lbs Max Capacity: up to 120 lbs Material: EPS core with a PP hard, slick, fast bottom Liquid Shredder commits to competitive surfboards just as their riders commit to upping up their game in surfing. The Liquid Shredder EZ-Slider 6’ allows for easy catching of waves with its narrow profile built for easy paddling. This highly maneuverable 6ft surfboard is perfect for groms and beginners as they are specially designed for kids. Ideal for novice riders weighing up to 95 lbs who have a bit more experience out on the water and can ride with stability. One important detail about this surfboard is it can only hold up to 120 lbs. So be sure to check your weight first before deciding on this surfboard. Its weight capacity doesn’t affect the board negatively. In fact, it remains very stable thanks to its high-quality materials. The EZ-Slider is constructed with EPS foam blank … Read more

Surfboard Foam Blanks Types – Which Is The Best Core?

August 20, 2021by Luke Morris

Surfboards were initially made of hard and heavy woods like Redwood, Cedar, or Wili-Wili. They weighed around 130 to 135 lbs, could get easily damaged, and were particularly difficult to repair. It wasn’t until the 1930s when then surfboard makers started to figure out how to make them lighter. From combining heavy woods with lighter woods to foam blanks and fiberglass, surfboards have been revolutionized. Nowadays, surfboards are lighter, more buoyant, easier to repair, and a lot easier to maneuver on the wave. What a huge difference, right? This dissimilarity comes from how surfboards are made now than before, mainly what’s inside the surfboard. In short, what made the modern surfboard improved is what’s inside it – surfboard foam blanks. Types of Surfboard Foam Blanks Unlike the wooden surfboards of our ancestors, every modern surfboard utilizes an inner foam core to ensure buoyancy and stability. This core is also responsible for the surfboard to weigh a lot less and becoming more maneuverable. Polyurethane (PU) PU foam is the most popular choice for surfboard shapers. They are used in conjunction with polyester resins to fabricate what is known as polyester or PU surfboard. Take note that there are two different PU foams with somewhat different chemical make-ups to understand. The first one is the toluene-di-isocyanate (TDI) base, and the other is methylene-di-isocyanate (MDI). TDI is the type of foam blank Clark foam used to make until they closed down. MDI is a fairly new material formulated with less toxic chemicals that have been utilized since Clark’s closure. PU foam is exceptionally light and easy to shape, and it is one of the reasons most shapers have been utilizing it for so long. Its composition is fine and very stiff, allowing the planer or sandpaper to run over it without tearing chunks off of it but with a few super fine dust only. This characteristic allows the shaper to sculpt with more detail and to more exact specifications. Most custom-made surfboards are made of PU foam blanks because of this. Polystyrene (PS) The PS is another foam core that became a substitute material for surfboard manufacturing when Clark’s closed down. Unfortunately, this material did not follow much because it was difficult to shape and took twice as long to produce the same result. Although these foam blanks are usually higher in density than PU foam, they are not as strong – which is where epoxy comes in. Another upside of this foam is that it is more environmentally friendly. Most of its waste can actually be recycled. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) The EPS foam core is an alternative foam blank that has gained new supporters since Clark’s closure. This foam blank is also known as the beaded foam and features a closed-cell core. It is derived from the polystyrene foam that didn’t get much following because of how hard it was to shape it. The EPS foam’s popularity has dramatically grown in recent years. A more environmentally friendly material, it is a lot lighter, which makes it perfect for small-wave surfboards. Surfboard brands like Firewire, and Catch Surf use this type of surfboard foam blank. You may have encountered EPS at least once in your life. The light disposable coolers you see at the supermarket are EPS foam. You also see them in boxes where they serve as a safety cushion for the items inside. Extruded Polystyrene Foam (XTR or XPS) EPS and XPS have often confused many people that thought they are essentially the same. The truth is XPS is very different from EPS. The XPS is created by mixing PS pellets with chemicals that liquefy them. A blowing agent is then injected into the mixture, resulting in billions of tiny air pockets. Its significant advantage is the closed-cell structure that makes it highly water repellant that if you damage the epoxy covering, you won’t worry about the water getting left inside. Surfboards nowadays are made with different types of core materials, with each type having its own density, flexibility levels, strengths, and weaknesses. Below is a reference to some of the most commonly used surfboard foam blanks in terms of density and water resistance. Core type EPS – S Grade EPS- M Grade EPS- H Grade EPS – VH Grade PU normal blank XPS – ND Density Kg/M3 16 19 24 28 36 32 Water uptake Yes Yes Yes Yes Slightly No Cell structure Closed^ Closed^ Closed^ Closed^ Closed* Closed *PU surfboard blanks are a closed-cell structure although, if left open to the elements (not repaired), they will rot in water ^EPS foam is a closed-cell, though if the skin is ruptured, water will fill the air voids in the core Related Resources 10 Easy Steps on How to Paint a Surfboard Steps on How to Wax a Surfboard How to Repair a Surfboard Best Surfboard Resins What Causes a Surfboard to Turn Yellow? Luke MorrisLuke Morris is an avid athlete and the driving force behind Surfhungry, a vibrant online platform dedicated to sharing the joy and passion of surfing and water sports with enthusiasts around the world. With a deep-rooted love for the ocean and a lifelong commitment to riding waves, Luke’s journey as a surfer has inspired him to create a community where like-minded individuals can come together to celebrate their shared passion.

How to Glass a Surfboard (7-Step Guide)

August 18, 2021by Luke Morris

Building surfboards isn’t exactly a walk in the park, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. Whether you’re an amateur or an expert builder, you can expect the entire process to take at least a week to complete. Fortunately, attempting this DIY project is pretty manageable if you proceed with proper preparation, trusty supplies, uncompromising meticulosity, and of course, godly patience. In this post, we’ll talk about one of the most crucial steps involved in surfboard building: the glassing process. Pre-Glass Planning Glassing refers to the process of waterproofing and finishing a surfboard. This is accomplished by laminating layers of fiberglass cloth onto the board and then seal-coating it with resin. To better understand how this all comes together, it’s important to plan about some factors before you gather your tools and supplies. These are the glass schedules that you’ll use, the resin, and the board’s tint. Surfboard Glass Schedules The amount of fiberglass cloth that you’re going to laminate onto your board is known as the glass schedule. This will determine your board’s final weight and strength. Simply put, more fiberglass translates to heavier weight, but also sturdier build. Fiberglass Weights Fiberglass cloth is typically measured in ounces per square yard. This denotes how much resin it takes to completely saturate the cloth. The most commonly used fiberglass for surfboards is 4 oz. and 6 oz. Most surfboards have two layers of fiberglass on the deck for durability purposes. This is where most of the action happens, after all. Hence, it needs to be able to withstand strong impacts. 4 oz. and 6 oz. are generally used together for strength and safety reasons. A sample glass schedule with both weights is 6+4 x 4, which means that there’s a 6 oz. and a 4 oz. layer on the deck, and a 4 oz. layer at the bottom. Fiberglass Cloths There are also two common types of fiberglass cloths for surfboards: the E-glass and the S-glass (also called S-2 glass). E-glass refers to “electrical grade” as it was initially made for electrical purposes. This is the most common cloth for glassing a surfboard. S-glass, meanwhile, was made for military purposes. Of the two, the S-glass is the stiffer and stronger cloth, and it’s also the more expensive one. It’s often used on decks since its main purpose is to prevent dents and dings as much as possible. The two less common fiberglass cloths are the WARP glass, which is also an E-glass, and the Volan. The WARP glass has more fibers up the weave’s length, which adds vertical strength to your board. Oftentimes, the WARP is overlain with a standard E-glass for added stability. The Volan, on the other hand, is a heavier cloth that generally comes in 8 oz. and 10 oz. sizes. It was originally used in the boat and tools industry. It was also what surfboard makers used back in the 1950s to 1960s. Since Volan is a heavy cloth, it is typically used for longboards where weight is considered a plus. Common Glass Schedules Lightweight: 4+4 x 4 (common in competitions) Lightweight Plus: 4+4 x 6 (lightweight with extra sturdiness at the bottom) Standard: 6+4 x 6 (strong and durable; good for egg and fish boards) Heavy-duty: 6+6 x 6 (minimum requirement for a longboard) These are just some of the common glass schedule combinations for surfboards. Of course, you’re not limited to these. After all, the schedules you’ll choose will depend on the board type you’re glassing and its purpose. Polyester Resin vs. Epoxy Resin Surfboards can be glassed with two types of resin: polyester and epoxy. If you need help with choosing, we’ve previously reviewed 5 products that have been proven to work well with surfboards here. Listed below are some of their pros and cons: Polyester Resin Pros & Cons Pros Gives the board a lively and bouncy feel, especially when new Affordable and easy to get Cons Polyester resin tends to degrade faster Smelly and not the best option health-wise Epoxy Resin Pros & Cons Pros Tougher and stronger; can handle harder impacts More health and environment-friendly Cons More expensive Yellows faster than polyester resin Sometimes, people also use these terms to refer to the board’s core (e.g., fiberglass boards and epoxy boards). This is an important consideration, since the board’s material and the resin you must use go hand in hand. Here’s the general rule to remember: For polyurethane boards (fiberglass), you can use either polyester or epoxy resin. For expanded polystyrene (EPS, Styrofoam, or epoxy boards), you must only use epoxy resin. This is because the polyester resin can melt away the epoxy board’s core. Thus, before you buy your resin, make sure that you’re getting the right one for your board. Freelap vs. Cutlap The last piece of the puzzle before starting the glassing process is choosing whether you’re doing a clear glass job or a tinted one. That’s because this will eventually lead to choosing between freelap or cutlap technique. Freelap Technique For clear glass jobs, you can do freelap. If you wish to design or paint your surfboard, do it before you start glassing your board. This technique involves saturating the fiberglass overlaps with resin and simply sticking it onto the other side of your board. Once the resin cures, you’ll have to sand down the overlaps until it’s flush with the board. Be careful during the sanding process as you don’t want to hit the foam while doing so. This is done to prevent air bubbles once it’s time to glass the other side. Cutlap Technique Cutlap, meanwhile, is the technique to use when you’re using tinted or pigmented resin. This involves taping off the other side of the board’s outline with masking tape. The tape is usually 1.5 inches thick from the edge of the rail. Sometimes, masking paper is also used to ensure that no color makes it to the middle of the board. Doing this marks the lap line and … Read more

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